Chapter 34
The next day, Zhou Chao woke up at 8 o’clock in the morning. After having a self-service breakfast at the bathhouse, he received a call from Xu Wenzheng, saying he would take him out to experience the fun of Ice City.
Zhou Chao shared his location with Xu Wenzheng, and in about 20 minutes, he saw Xu Wenzheng driving a white domestic SUV, parked in front of him. As soon as Zhou Chao got in the car, he was greeted with a scolding, “Second Bro, what were you thinking? You wanted a bath and massage, you should have told me! How could you go alone? It’s like looking down on us. If Big Bro and the others find out, they’ll be mad at me.”
Zhou Chao listened to Third Bro’s continuous chatter, like a machine gun firing, leaving him speechless. He helplessly explained, “It was a last-minute decision, and you guys had already left. I couldn’t call you back, so I went alone.”
Then Zhou Chao suggested, “Where is Ice City’s largest auto trading center? Let’s go check it out.”
“What do you need to go there for? You’re not buying a car.”
“Just to take a look to broaden my horizons.”
“Alright, let’s go to the Ice City International Auto Expo Center.” Xu Wenzheng stepped on the accelerator and headed towards their destination.
“Third Bro, how are the preparations for the wedding going?”
“Everything is arranged at home. We bought a large three-bedroom apartment outside. After the wedding, my wife and I will move in there.”
“Third Bro, how did you and your wife get together?”
“She’s a doctor, a Chinese medicine practitioner, and her family has a long tradition in traditional Chinese medicine. Our families have been close since we were kids. I played with her a lot when we were young. Last year, when I came back to manage the medicinal herb business, I coincidentally met her, and we got together not long after.”
“You’ve been driving this car for quite a while now. Why not consider getting a new one?”
“This car was handed down by my dad. I’ll make do with it. In the last couple of years, the medicinal herb business hasn’t been doing well. Once the market improves, I’ll think about getting a new car.”
“Haha, Third Bro, if you could get any car you wanted, what would it be?”
“It would be the G500. I’ve always dreamt of it, but unfortunately, my family won’t buy it for me.” Xu Wenzheng sighed with a longing expression.
“Have you considered buying a car for your wife? It would be more convenient for her daily commute.”
“Well, let’s wait until after the wedding preparations are done, and then I’ll find some time to take her to see and buy a practical commuter car.”
As they chatted, they arrived at the Ice City International Auto Expo Center.
Xu Wenzheng parked the car and led Zhou Chao inside. The auto trading center housed over 50 4S stores, offering a wide range of car brands, from budget-friendly to luxury options.
They happened to pass by the entrance of a Mercedes-Benz 4S store and noticed a white Mercedes G500 on display. Xu Wenzheng couldn’t take his eyes off the car, and Zhou Chao playfully bumped his shoulder, suggesting they go inside to take a closer look. Without waiting for Xu Wenzheng’s response, Zhou Chao eagerly stepped into the 4S store, and Xu Wenzheng had no choice but to follow him.
As they entered the store, a well-dressed salesperson warmly greeted them.
“We’re just browsing,” Xu Wenzheng said from behind Zhou Chao, who gave a helpless expression and looked at Xu Wenzheng.
“Hello, can we take a look at the white Mercedes G500?” Zhou Chao asked the salesperson in front of them.
“Of course, sir. This way, please,” the salesperson said and led them toward the white G500.
As they followed, Xu Wenzheng whispered to Zhou Chao, “We’re not buying, don’t waste their time.”
“It’s okay. You also like this car, right? Let’s just get to know it better, so when you decide to buy in the future, you’ll know what you want,” Zhou Chao said, pulling Xu Wenzheng along.
“The G500 is equipped with Mercedes’ latest 5.0L V8 engine, delivering a maximum power of 216 kW at 5500 rpm and a maximum torque of 456 Nm between 2800 to 4000 rpm. With a turbocharger, it can generate 80% of its maximum torque at around 1800 rpm. Combined with its non-independent suspension with rigid front, center, and rear axles, as well as front, center, and rear differential locks, the G500 boasts excellent off-road capability. Despite its weight of nearly three tons, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds,” the salesperson explained enthusiastically, and Xu Wenzheng attentively listened to the details. As they continued discussing the car, Zhou Chao could tell that Xu Wenzheng genuinely liked it.
Then he walked up to the salesperson and asked, “Can I test drive this car?”
“Sure, we have a professional test drive center where you can experience it firsthand,” the salesperson replied.
“Second Bro, forget about it. It’s not appropriate,” Xu Wenzheng whispered to Zhou Chao.
“It’s fine. Go and give it a try to see how it feels,” Xu Wenzheng felt a bit tempted as well. After all, he had liked this car for a long time. Without any further hesitation, they followed the salesperson to the test drive area.
Meanwhile, Zhou Chao approached a group of salespeople chatting at the front desk. One of them, an older person, approached him and asked, “Hello, sir, how may I assist you?”
“Hello, is your manager available?”
“I am the manager here. What can I do for you?” The manager said and led Zhou Chao to a resting area. Zhou Chao accepted the offered tea and said, “I just looked at the white G500 with my friend, and we both liked it. I’m going to help my friend purchase it. Your salesperson took him for a test drive, so you can handle the paperwork for me.”
“Alright, sir, please wait a moment.” The manager quickly got up and walked outside, returning shortly with a folder in hand.
Zhou Chao noticed the manager’s intent to calculate the price slowly, so he intervened, saying, “Top configuration, including license plate and insurance. Just tell me the price, but I don’t want any tricks or hidden fees.”
The manager directly wrote down the details on paper and soon said, “The total price is 2.05 million, but if you decide to buy today, you can have it for 2 million flat.” Zhou Chao didn’t immediately respond, considering the price.
“Do you have something suitable for a girl to drive? Please recommend one,” Zhou Chao asked.
“The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe is a great option. It has strong handling capabilities. Here are some pictures for you to take a look.” The manager handed over a tablet, and Zhou Chao quickly checked it. It seemed like a suitable choice.
“How much for both of these cars with top configurations?”
“Total is 2.58 million,” the manager quickly calculated and handed the list to Zhou Chao.
Zhou Chao gestured confidently and said, “Let’s go ahead and sign the contract with full payment.” He swiftly retrieved Xu Wenzheng’s identification information from his phone and handed it to the manager. In no time, the necessary contracts were prepared, and Zhou Chao promptly signed them and made the payment.
Shortly after he finished, Zhou Chao saw Xu Wenzheng and the salesperson returning with smiles on their faces, seemingly satisfied with the test drive experience.